This abroad will have two components: in-country in Scotland and England and on-campus in Elsah.
Weeks 1 – 2 – Edinburgh, Scotland
The program begins in-country in Scotland in mid-August. We explore the Edinburgh International Festival, historical sites, museums, and attend many cultural events. Housing is at an exciting hostel at the top of the Royal Mile in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. There are some day trips out of Edinburgh to experience other parts of Scotland, including the historic village of Culross and Stirling Castle. During this time we begin our focus on an integrated study of history, arts, and culture, as well as initial preparation for the play.
Weeks 3 – 5 – London, England
Here we engage in experiential learning with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, at cultural and historical sites, through research at the British Library, and getting to know the city. Housing is in a dormitory near the Thames River in easy walking distance and/or public transportation to all sites, restaurants, museums, and theatres. We spend a full day at the magnificent Hampton Court experiencing the history, culture, and art of the palace. We also take a day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover to explore the history, stories, and geography of this stunning location.
Weeks 6 – 7 – Stratford-upon-Avon, England
We continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon in the beautiful Cotswolds where we stay in local B&Bs and get to know the people of this historic town, as well as the surrounding small towns and beautiful landscapes. We have seminars and lectures from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, continue historical research at the Trust library, take workshops from theatre professionals, and attend plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. We take day trips to Hereford and Oxford and continue our artistic and historical exploration.
Weeks 8 – 14 – Principia Campus, Elsah, Illinois
After 7 ½ weeks in country, we return to Elsah. Housing on campus is as a group in one house. We continue coursework in art, history, and theatre, and dive into rehearsals for our production of a Shakespeare play. Everyone on the abroad participates in the play as an actor, as well as supporting technical, design, and dramaturgy (research and education) aspects of the production. The culminating work of the group is the public performances of the play, as well as sharing work from the Globe workshops, research, and artistic projects.